Vick, Foles competition ultimately “not close”

Posted by Mike Florio on August 22, 2013, 1:08 PM EST

AP

At a time when some think the Jets’ quarterback competition was rigged in favor of rookie Geno Smith, there are reasons to wonder whether the competition in Philly was elongated for reasons unrelated to finding the best quarterback.

Per a league source, the competition between Mike Vick and Nick Foles ultimately was “not close.”

So why did it last as long as it did? Whether coach Chip Kelly planned it this way or not, forcing Vick to win the job has restored the edge he had in 2010, when he became the starter after Kevin Kolb was injured. In 2011 and 2012, the edge wasn’t there.

If Kelly meant to do it, it was a genius move. The quarterback he’ll have is much better than Vick would have been, if Vick hadn’t been forced to earn the job.

It also was a genius move for Kelly to suggest, but never to actually say, that the competition would last through the preseason. After closer review of the things Kelly said (and didn’t say), he never promised that he’d wait until after the preseason to name a starter. But the impression was created made the announcement that Vick won the job a pleasant surprise for Vick, who surely now feels proud and satisfied after spending much longer than he thought he should fighting for the job he presumed was his.

If Vick stays healthy, the Eagles and Vick will be far better off this year because of it.

If Vick Stays Healthy. You have a better shot at not paying taxes and not eventually dying.

chut26 says:Aug 22, 2013 1:14 PM

Vick is a bum. He’s gone his entire career with 2 playoff wins. Wouldn’t that be enough motivation to want to be great? Instead of winning as a team being his motivation he needs to beat someone on an individual level to feel accomplishment.

Gee… I really want that attitude from my starting QB.

purpleguy says:Aug 22, 2013 1:14 PM

The season hasn’t even started yet and I’m already tired of the Kelly is a genius crap.

I’m glad someone finally had the courage to report what everyone has known since the beginning of OTAs.

There may have been some people who wanted Foles to start over Vick week 1, but there’s no one in Philly that thought Foles would beat out Vick.

“That gangly horse faced child looks like he could probably beat out that freak athlete with a howitzer for an arm who is outrunning an all-pro hb in a race, in an offense predicated on a mobile QB” – Not a thought that never crossed anyone’s mind.

It’s the same thing they did in Cleveland. Weeden, like Vick, worked so hard and now has shown that he deserves it and they are better players because of it. Good for Vick – glad we don’t have to play the Eagles this year. Go Browns.

WAH WAH WAH all the Eagles fans mad because Foles didnt win it… Be happy you dont have Gabbert, Ponder or Sanchez…… Now go block for the dude so he has time to perform….Dont start whinin about Vick if he has 1 sec to get the ball out and he is NOT turning the ball over every game multiple times….Look at your oline…Hopefully that wont happen this year…Stay tuned.

C’mon we’re talking about Mike Vick, a legend. The first QB to beat The Packers in the playoffs in Green Bay. Foles is nowhere near Vick’s level. Only through you all’s prejudice and hatred is Foles on Vick’s level.

Eagles will be fine, in 2 years, when they decide Vick is too old and Foles never had “it”, and get a real QB. One of the Mannings will be looking for a payday and Kelly will be looking for someone to save his job.

The season hasn’t even started yet and I’m already tired of the Kelly is a genius crap.

Yet we have to hear it all the time about coach Bill Belichick and general manager Ozzie Newman. Being you are the purple guy go root for the Vikings or Ravens and stop reading these articles. It’s amazing how people complain publicly when the solution is simply to close the browser and move on in life.

chc4 says:Aug 22, 2013 1:22 PM

So wait… you’ve now determined Vick absolutely has his “edge” back? Based on what exactly… 2 preseason games and bunch of non-contact practices?

Typical media overreaction/hype.

corkspop says:Aug 22, 2013 1:23 PM

Interesting observation. Sounds like this was an intentional strategy by Kelly, and, one that worked. Genius? No. Good coaching? Absolutely.

glazerh8er says:Aug 22, 2013 1:24 PM

I’m so happy the Bucs missed on this guy because he bailed on them back to Oregon. Then the seat got to hot at Oregon and he came running back to the NFL. As opposed to Schiano, who built a program from scratch, denied multiple offers upfront, and took ours. I don’t think the Bills hire Marrone this year without Schiano’s turnaround of the inept 2011 Bucs team.

“If Kelly meant to do it, it was a genius move. The quarterback he’ll have is much better than Vick would have been, if Vick hadn’t been forced to earn the job.”
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care to offer some evidence supporting this conclusion, counselor?

blockedshotnyr says:Aug 22, 2013 1:25 PM

Vick did outplay Foles in training camp and the preseason, but this article echoes the same sentiments that have been echoed about Vick infinite times over.

People forget though that in the preseason Vick is not seeing the same packages that have stopped and stumped him for the last two and a half seasons. When the year begins and exotic defensive packages are thrown at him – he will start to turn the ball over again.

Kind of a shame that these millionaires don’t feel compelled to work as hard as they can for it.

FinFan68 says:Aug 22, 2013 1:28 PM

I’d much rather the QB be capable of self-motivation. Using mind games to get the best out of Vick may be beneficial for now but it ultimately shows he can’t do it on his own.

ProDolphinsTalk says:Aug 22, 2013 1:29 PM

Not to defend Vick but let’s be real. It’s easy to talk about ‘staying healthy’ when you are typing from behind a desk all day like me. 20 games missed in 12 NFL seasons for a guy who touched the ball on every offensive play with many being outside the pocket. Too many haters these days. Just enjoy the game.

touchdownroddywhite says:Aug 22, 2013 1:30 PM

Gee, wasn’t there a Falcons fan saying this in the comments for like the last 6 weeks. I wonder where he is now?

Really though, most everybody who knows football knew this would happen. Like Vick or not, he’s a top 5 guy in terms of mobility and throwing the deep ball. Foles never stood a chance.

If the Fat Chipmunk is “genius” for doing all those things how about the seven or so other head coaches around the league who did the same thing? In a much less abrasive and acrimonious fashion. Is there even a word to describe them?

myeaglescantwin says:Aug 22, 2013 1:31 PM

Everyone has become so inamored with these “hot out the gate” QB’s.. Truth of the matter is 2012 got its hands on some talent we haven’t seen yet in the NFL.

Nick Foles was a 3rd round pick with a cannon arm and decent decision making skills. He was not drafted to be the #1 guy in Philly. He was intended to be a serviceable back up..

Injury thrust this kid into the lime-light when there were no other options on the roster..
While he did put up some very good numbers for a rookie that had started as many games as he did, no one in the world was confusing him for Marino..

So now we come to this QB ‘controversy’,, which really was never that. Chip Kelley took a team that went 4-12 and made EVERY SINGLE PLAYER earn a spot on the roster,, perhaps the single smartest thing a new coach could do..

That lead to Vick rededicating himself like we have never seen,
That lead to Nick Foles playing better than anyone could have hoped.

More importantly that has lead to the rest of the guys in the locker room respecting Mike Vick for winning his job. It has lead to the team also respecting Nick Foles for fighting as well as he did.
Now if/when Vick goes down, the other 51 players will have confidence that Nick Foles can get the job done too.
Chip Kelley took a lot of heat, but he set up this team for success.. not 13-3 success ,, but cmon..

Vick starts,
Foles keeps learning and keeps working. Then eventually, for one reason or another, he will get his chance..
Then in 2013, he will need to prove it all over again against Barkley..

This was never a competition. Vick was the starter since the day this minor league coach took over. They made it a competition because a newspaper poll said fans wanted Vick out of town 70%-30%. The foolish coach needed some way to save face.
What a sham. I’ve been a fan for 35 years and wont cheer a moment until this sadistic scumbag is gone. It’s an embarrassment.

jamaltimore says:Aug 22, 2013 1:37 PM

Watched the Carolina game last night and Vick looks great in that offense. Shady, MV7, DJACK , Avant and Hate speech are going to be very exciting to watch.

The Shoeman says:Aug 22, 2013 1:39 PM

Anyone ca figure this out.

1. Vick will start , until the Eagle’s are out of it this season.

2. Foles / Barkley , will be the starter next year
other one gets traded for good draft-pick.

3. Eagles trade-up into 2014 NFL Draft

4. Eagles QB for the future, is named either Bridgewater , Mariota ,
or Boyd, a maybe for Manziel .

Probably was to make other teams think Foles is good so they can Kolb him off at some point.

xpensivewinos says:Aug 22, 2013 1:45 PM

Oh, great. Now Vick will read this post and figure out it was all a motivational ploy, and all that hard work by Kelly will be out the window.
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I guess that in turn would make Vick a “genius.”🙂

I will be laughing at all of you when Vick proves he can’t get it done once again, rest assured. Whether it be through injury or bad play, it will happen, and Foles will be there to take over. Ya’ll better cross your fingers and wish for a miracle because that’s what it’s going to take…

Vick has 1 year where he played the whole year out of 12 – so they should just label him “starter until injured” then Foles will hold down the fort until they draft a QB who can actually handle this offense on the pro level.

Odds are out on if Kelly makes it long enough to develop whoever that QB may be (and no, Barkley isn’t that guy/see all USC QB in the modern era).

If I were a Skins fan I would be more worried about RG3 injury history then Vick’s. So far RG3 has torn up his ACL and MCL his junior year in college followed that up with tearing up his ACL, MCL, and PCL his 1st on the same knee his first Pro season. Vick has missed 20 games in 10 years while Brady and Manning have missed entire seasons and are older. My point is nobody is immune to injuries in the NFL and have some humility before gloating.

When has Vick ever proven to be an elite QB? Are you going to give us 2010? Please do not leave out his game ending INT against GB is a winnable game.

Vick has deserved every bit of criticism he has received – every year he is re-dedicating himself. He makes ridiculous statements IE: Andy won’t get fired on my watch as he is stinking up the place – his whole reputation is based upon 3 games, beating Favre in GB with the Falcons & his 2 games with the Eagles. He has NEVER delivered in a big spot. He has admitted that he took Blank’s money & didn’t dedicate himself. He admitted he pretty much stole from the Falcons. He’s been paid like he’s elite & has never produced anything. He is once again playing under a 1 yr contract so he’ll have an OK year (but it WILL be injury & turnover plagued), once he gets another multi-year pay day he’ll sink back down to his level, once again being mediocre.

If I were a Skins fan I would be more worried about RG3 injury history then Vick’s. So far RG3 has torn up his ACL and MCL his junior year in college followed that up with tearing up his ACL, MCL, and PCL his 1st on the same knee his first Pro season. Vick has missed 20 games in 10 years while Brady and Manning have missed entire seasons and are older. My point is nobody is immune to injuries in the NFL and have some humility before gloating.
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wow. so many inaccuracies here. not even going to bother …

This makes no sense!! He had Dennis Dixon as a QB that he taught and coached at Oregon and doesn’t have his own guy start? Someone that knows his fast paced offense (and was on the way to possibly be a Heisman)? Dennis also was coached by Bruce Arrians at Pittsburgh and knows how to be a pocket passer in the pro-style offense and almost single handedly defeated the Ravens on a Monday Night football game when Ben was out.

Makes no sense!!

Hope the Eagles choke this year for Chip not making Dennis the starter.

Go Steelers!

prrbrr says:Aug 22, 2013 2:33 PM

This is the competitive nature that was lost during McNabb and Vicks years with Reid. No one ever challenged or appeared to challenge the job AR was doing from VP of Football Operations to Head Coach. He became lost when Jim Johnson passed away as no one around him was good enough to take over the reigns. Chip Kelly is the best thing that has happened to Philly since the hiring of AR. This is the next step moving forward for this organization and owner.

fillyfan says:Aug 22, 2013 2:47 PM

Ah, yes the ubiquitous “league source” strikes again.

Don’t know how anyone outside the Eagles coaching staff can make this statement, when they have no clue what a player is being asked to do by the coaches.

I am not a Vick fan and would have preferred to see Foles get the nod, but respect the coaching staff’s decision since they are the only ones who know how each QB really graded out.

cmoney20 says:Aug 22, 2013 2:48 PM

skinsfanwill says: Aug 22, 2013 1:13 PM

“If Vick Stays Healthy. You have a better shot at not paying taxes and not eventually dying.”

So you’re telling me I have better than a 10% chance of not dying or not having to pay my taxes. Sweet!

Oh, great. Now Vick will read this post and figure out it was all a motivational ploy, and all that hard work by Kelly will be out the window.
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I guess that in turn would make Vick a “genius.”🙂

So Vick not listening to the coaching staff and becoming lazy again due to the fact that he has the job makes him a genius? Where in France?

This was never a competition. Vick was the starter since the day this minor league coach took over. They made it a competition because a newspaper poll said fans wanted Vick out of town 70%-30%. The foolish coach needed some way to save face.
What a sham. I’ve been a fan for 35 years and wont cheer a moment until this sadistic scumbag is gone. It’s an embarrassment.

Please support another team. People like you are ruining America with this overly sensative BS. Vick commited a crime and served his time for it. You should be glad he was caught and is now a spokes person for the SPCA because I bet it was a huge blow to dog fighters and dog fighting in general. Please grow up

I think Coach Kelly made the right decision to turn up the fight for your right and your spot. Its no difference in high school or colleges, coaches are not coaching last season scenarios its about progression for the future.

I so happenly to like Nick Foles, but we all know Michael Vick is more expeience, now for Vicks pass preformances, hell Michael Vick didn’t redo his resume as him being a pocket presence QB, Philly did that, in fact it was wrong from the beginning when we had a sorry O line in the first place. ..So sorry O line equates to hurt Qb.

As for as competing to make one work harder isn’t a bad thing at all, Vick is stronger than Foles, Vick is faster in the spread offense and Vick makes ok decisions but our O line needs to hold up so those decisions can be turned into points, my hats of to Chip and the bunch I believe we will when our division despite of some want to be sports casters.. And I do believe that Matt Barkley and Foles are very hot Attributes in our weapontry.

Yo alligotis6rings you better worry about that so called team you have in the little town!!!

jakethesnake57 says:Aug 22, 2013 4:47 PM

Per a league source, the competition between Mike Vick and Nick Foles ultimately was “not close.”

I just love when nameless, faceless league sources are quoted. Did Chip call the league office and let that slip while chatting with Goodell’s secretary?

srt373 says:Aug 22, 2013 4:59 PM

Look Vick won the job fair and square. You can make all the excuses and assumptions you want about the regular season in regards to Blitzes and real defense schemes but the same applies to Foles. I’m a Foles guy and was hoping he won but fair is fair and if you think Vick could struggle under real coverage so could Foles.

Also you don’t need to quote a league source to validate that Vick pulled away from the job. Unless your going to share juicy details, which you did not, all a reader can assume is that your trying to stir up a story that Vick was already chosen as the starter and was just being pushed.

Come on, please, I’d rather read a story debating on whether or not RG3 is starting week 1.

This was never a competition. Vick was the starter since the day this minor league coach took over. They made it a competition because a newspaper poll said fans wanted Vick out of town 70%-30%. The foolish coach needed some way to save face.
What a sham. I’ve been a fan for 35 years and wont cheer a moment until this sadistic scumbag is gone. It’s an embarrassment.

Please support another team. People like you are ruining America with this overly sensative BS. Vick commited a crime and served his time for it. You should be glad he was caught and is now a spokes person for the SPCA because I bet it was a huge blow to dog fighters and dog fighting in general. Please grow up
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The sadistic scumbag he was referring to was Kelly, not Vick…..haha